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The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Associates invite you to come to Fulton County, Illinois and enjoy the natural wonders of the Spoon River Valley. Spoon River has carved a wide scenic valley through Fulton County as it flows from London Mills to the south and east where it joins the Illinois River near the southeastern corner of the county. The Spoon River became nationally known from the work of Edgar Lee Masters, author of the noted Spoon River Anthology. Come on out the first two full weekends in October. There are over one hundred miles of scenic routes on the Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive to be enjoyed on this driving tour with beautiful fall colors. There will be food, arts, crafts, entertainment and flea market. Visit 17 villages and historic sites!

Hill Prairie Winery is a great place to relax, enjoy some great wines and reunite with nature in the rolling vineyard. Bring your friends to take in live entertainment each weekend as we are open all year. We offer over 15 award winning wines (along with beer and soft drinks) by the glass or the bottle. Enjoy our rural environment with rolling hills, ponds, our 100 year old barn, windmill and acres of delicious grapes. We even offer tours of our wine making process. Our facilities are available for special occasions, weddings and corporate meetings.

The Emiquon Preserve, also known as the “Jewel of the Illinois River,” is aptly named for its abundance of wetlands and wildlife. The sheer biological diversity made it the natural place for Native Americans to settle long ago. In recent years, the land has undergone a restoration returning its natural beauty for all to enjoy once again.

Browns Oakridge Zoo is a family owned and operated zoo established in 1990. Beginning with a single pot bellied pig and a few whitetail deer, the number of species housed at the zoo has grown to include five Siberian tigers, several black bears, two lions, and many more exotic and domestic animals. Over the years we have taken in many abandoned animals. A total of 152 lion and tiger cubs, abandoned in captivity have been reared here. Most of our animals have been raised in the house, and have had a lot of human contact. You won’t just get to see the animals here, but you will be able to have hands on contact. Imagine being able to hold a lion, tiger, or bear cub. It brings out the kid in all of us.

Approximately 5,000 acres are timber, while there are 46 miles of trails for activities including horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and bicycling. Boating is permitted. Camping with electricity.

The largest of all the state forests in Illinois. Covers 7,100 acres of native oak-hickory forests and pine plantations. Supports diverse desert flora and fauna in its sandy landscape as well as also offering a variety of recreational facilities.

Rice Lake is a waterfowler's dream. Its high quality habitat attracts thousands of migrating birds annually. In addition, areas are also available for fishing, boating, camping, and wildlife observation.

The premier on-site archaeological museum, located 45 miles southwest of Peoria, interprets the 12,000 year history of American Indian cultures in Illinois through artifacts, interpretive exhibits, major multi-image productions, hands-on activities and a variety of public events in a rural setting.

A beautifully decorated Victorian carriage house behind an old home in the river town of Havana. It is a wonderful opportunity to see how life used to be without giving up modern luxuries like cable TV.

The lake was built on the floodplain of the Illinois River in 1971 by Commonwealth Edison Company as a cooling reservoir for the fossil-fuel power plant. Today, the completely diked, 1,426-acre lake is leased for visitor hunting and fishing.

The Wine & Dine Experience is a 4-course gourmet meal prepared by Chef Kevin Roecker with each course being expertly paired with wine from Willett's Winery & Cellar. During the evening, you'll hear about each course selection from Chef Kevin and each wine selection from winemaker, Dan Willett. Jazz music will be provided by Joe Metzka throughout the evening.

Willett's Winery & Cellar is thrilled to announce the opening of their restaurant, The Ironstone Room. Executive Chef Kevin Roecker is planning quite a culinary experience. Ironstone China is a type of stoneware introduced in England in the early 1800's by potters using the country's ironstone to develop a porcelain-like china that could be mass produced. Eventually, Ironstone China was exported primarily to the United States between about 1840 and 1890. Dan's mother, Elsie Willett, has been a collector of Ironstone China for many years. Her collection will be displayed in the Ironstone Room of Willett's Winery & Cellar. Our menu changes seasonally, and offers suggested wine pairings from our winery.